Daily Archives: May 17, 2012

There’s still plenty to see & do in Key West, even when it’s a little wetter outside than usual.

The shops & museums by Mallory Square offer a wide variety of oddities and handicrafts, from massive beach ball-sized sea sponges to doubloons salvaged from nearby shipwrecks. Take a spin through Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum, or bring the kids to the always entertaining Key West Toy Factory, with its whimsical ambiance and high-quality, unique toys. The Shipwreck Museum, Hemingway House and the Harry S. Truman Little White House all offer a bevy of indoor entertainment that is fun for both adults and children. And of course, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum is worth a spin– if you can handle it!

Or, if you’re not afraid of a little mud, why not grab a plastic poncho and umbrella and go spend a lazy afternoon making your way through the Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden? This lush sanctuary is the only “frost-free” botanical garden in the continental United States, and offers protection to many endangered flora & fauna. It also houses Key West’s only “Chug Museum,” an open-air collection of salvaged boats used by Cuban refugees seeking asylum. These incredible vessels are constructed from a myriad of materials, from reclaimed refrigerator motors to styrofoam slabs, and are truly amazing to see.

For directions to any of the above locations, ask your friendly front-desk concierge. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction (even if that direction is just to the nearest indoor movie theatre!)

Tonight at one of Key West’s favorite dive bars and music venues, the Hog’s Breath Saloon, catch three acts sure to impress and entertain. First up, from 1pm to 5pm, Joel Nelson will perform some acoustic Americana favorites, after which local legend Gary Hempsey will take the stage, belting out his laid-back tunes until 9:30pm. Then from 10pm until the wee hours of the morning visitors can prepare to have their flip-flops rocked by The Coal Men, in town for just a few nights to perform their special brand of roots rock and roll. This is a stellar line-up for a Thursday night, and the perfect way to beat those gray sky blues.

As the motto of the Hog’s Breath Saloon clearly states: Hog’s Breath is Better Than No Breath At All. In this case, we think it’s pretty great.